Mali Obomsawin Quintet
Event Details
Part of: Performing Arts Season 2025–26
“Potent commentary on indigenous heritage, autonomy and experiences … gripping, dynamic and thunderous.” —JazzTimes
For Mali Obomsawin (Odanak First Nation), the language of free jazz and the language of Wabanaki are variations on a shared theme. Together with her sextet, the composer/bassist weaves the prosody of one into the syntax of the other. Stories emerge: atonal winds wail over woozy bass lines; voices crescendo over beating hand drums. Melding Wabanaki songs with religious hymns and jazz traditions with Québécois folk music, Obomsawin chronicles the complex histories that have come to shape Abenaki life today. The ensemble features Obomsawin (bass and vocals), Joshua Mathews (drums), Yuma Uesaka (saxophone), Noah Campbell (saxophone), and Alana Colvin (guitar).
This is the second night of a two-night engagement with Obomsawin. Learn more about the Sugarcane screening on April 16, which features Obomsawin’s score and opens with a live set by her trio.
Copresented with Icehouse
For more information about accessibility, visit our Access page.
For questions on accessibility or to request additional accommodations, call 612-375-7564 or email access@walkerart.org.
Find us at 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
Paid underground parking is available on-site. Enter the ramp on Vineland Place at Bryant Avenue. Biking or taking Metro Transit? Learn more.
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Personal photography is permitted throughout the Walker and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, but please turn off the flash when visiting the galleries.
To help us promote future events and programs, this event may be photographed or recorded. By attending, you consent to appear in this documentation and its future use by the museum. Please let staff know upon arrival if you prefer not to be photographed.
Program support provided by Nor Hall and Roger Hale.
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